Context.We present the results of a search for emission galaxies
at in the FORS Deep Field.

Aims.The objective of this study is
to improve the faint end of the luminosity function of high-redshift
emitting galaxies and to derive properties of intrinsically faint
emission galaxies in the young universe.

Methods.Using FORS2 at the ESO VLT and a set of
special interference filters, we identified candidates for high-redshift
galaxies. We then used FORS2 in spectroscopic mode to verify the
identifications and to study their spectral properties.

Results.The narrow-band photometry resulted in the detection of 15 likely
emission galaxies. Spectra with an
adequate exposure time could be obtained for eight galaxies. In all these cases the
presence of emission at was confirmed spectroscopically.
The line fluxes of the 15 candidates range between 3 10-21 W m-2 and
16 10-21 W m-2, which corresponds to star-formation rates uncorrected
for dust absorption between
1 and 5 yr-1. The luminosity function derived for our photometrically
identified objects extends the published luminosity functions of intrinsically brighter galaxies.

Conclusions.With this technique the study of
high-redshift emission galaxies can be extended to low
intrinsic luminosities.

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